Poetry recital promotes Sino-French cultural exchange

A poetry recital in both Chinese and French was held last night at the Yuehai campus of Shenzhen University (SZU) in Nanshan District, attracting more than 200 teachers and students.

Participants, guests and judges pose for a group photo after the poetry recital at Shenzhen University last night. Photos courtesy of the event organizers

The event, jointly organized by the Shenzhen People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Shenzhen Universiade International Scholarship Foundation, and College of International Studies of SZU, aimed to offer students a chance to learn about French culture, help enhance Sino-French cultural exchange, and promote the influence of Chinese poems in France and French speaking countries and regions.

Some prizewinners pose for a photo with judges.

Stéphane Joly, director of Alliance Française Shenzhen, said at the event that the poetry recital brought French and Chinese poems together and immersed young students and audiences in a bilingual and cross-cultural journey.

Prizewinners receive award certificates.

Cao Saixian, director general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, said that both China and France have a long history of poetry. Although languages are different, poems play the same role for people in the two countries to express emotions, she said. 

Cao also shared a poem she wrote before the recital sessions and received continuous applause from the audience.

A dance performance during the poetry recital event.

The event included three themed recital sessions in total where students were reciting famous poems in Chinese and French such as “Prelude to Water Melody” by 11th century Chinese cultural icon Su Shi and “Clair de lune” by French poet Paul Verlaine to present beautiful tunes of both Chinese and French poems.

Participants recite Chinese and French poems on stage.

The first appearance of classic Chinese poetry in French cultural circles can be dated back to the early 18th century.

Xiang Jiaxuan, a freshman from SZU Faculty of Physical Education, said the event that she learned about by chance offered a great opportunity for her to admire the beauty of Chinese and French poems. “There is a special joy to enjoy poetry being presented in two different languages.”

Participants perform on stage.

The event, initiated in June, wrapped up last night when a group of students were honored for their excellent performances.